As you might expect after a 5-of-17 third down defensive performance, we’re going a little heavy on defense in this weeks GIFs That Defined The Game.
Can’t forget Amendola’s kickoff return or Ryan Allen’s punt either, both were tone setters in the first half, but the return was just too long to GIF and as appreciative as I am of Allen’s boomer, no one wants to see a punt on loop. So good job, guys, but here are the plays that defined the game otherwise.
First, we start early in the second quarter, with New England holding a four-point lead and Detroit sitting on the two yard line on third down. Patrick Chung has had problems with big tight ends in the past, and they’re certainly not his ideal matchup, but here Chung is agile and physical enough to avoid the traffic and get into perfect position to defend Stafford’s attempt to throw it up to Fauria.
This was the only time all game the Lions would get into the red zone and the Pats held. This is the kind of play that great defenses make. Holding opponents to field goals in the red zone will be very necessary in January/February.
Next, we’re still in the second quarter, with New England up by eight as Detroit is on the outskirts of field goal range facing a manageable third-and-four. Revis and Arrington play the attempted pick play perfectly, while the four-man rush gets just enough pressure to force a backfooted throw by Stafford. Great team defense to force the punt and keep points off the board.
We’re still in the second quarter when we get these next two plays to Rob Gronkowski to take the Pats from their own 42 to field goal range after being in a 2nd-and-17 hole. Gronk is so hard to stop, with these two plays coming after a relatively quiet first half.
These catches show the quick-scoring ability and explosiveness of the Patriots’ offense right now. No down-and-distance is unmanageable. Putting points on the board before the half were some of the final nails in the Lions’ coffin.
Finally, comes a third down on the Lions’ first possession of the second half. A touchdown drive here might swing the momentum and made things interesting.
The pass is completed, but it’s the way the defense closes on the ball to keep the Lions short of the first down that most stands out here. This is the kind of swarming defense that the Patriots have been showing lately.
This play essentially snuffed out any hope the Lions might’ve had coming out of the locker room as the Pats would tack on another field goal on their ensuing possession.
